Antarctic Submillimeter Telescope and Remote Observatory

AST/RO is a 1.7 meter diameter submillimeter-wave telescope that operated
at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station between January 1995 and December 2005.
Because of its exceptionally
cold and dry atmosphere, the South Pole is the best ground-based observatory site for
astronomical observations at submillimeter wavelengths. The scientific program
was focused on spectroscopic observations of atomic and molecular clouds
in the Milky Way and other galaxies. AST/RO invited
observing proposals from the astronomical community.
Since travel to the South Pole is not possible during Austral winter (Feb.-Oct.),
observations on AST/RO were performed by a winterover scientist in residence at
South Pole. The AST/RO facility (shown
in photo, with the main base and an LC-130 aircraft in the background)
was part of CARA: Center for Astrophysical
Research in Antarctica.